JOIN OUR CIRCUS COMMUNITY!

The American Youth Circus Organization (AYCO) is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The American Circus Educators Association (ACE) is a branch of AYCO.

Photo from AYCOfest 2019 at San Diego Circus Center, Circus Runway Photography

Our MISSION

Our mission is to promote the participation of youth in circus arts and support circus educators.

A male acrobat being thrown in the air by four female performers during a circus performance.

AYCOfest / edcon

On alternating years, AYCO/ACE organizes the American Youth Circus Festival and Educators Conference across the nation.

SAVE THE DATE - AYCOfest 8/26-30/2026

This year’s National AYCOfest will be held at Independent Lake Camp  https://www.independentlake.com/. We will have more information to come… Please watch this space

A woman in a face mask demonstrates a pulley system in a classroom or seminar setting, with an audience watching.

ACE SAfety Network

The ACE Safety Program is a consultation process with industry experts to help your program or school better manage the inherent risks associated with circus arts.

networking forums & community marketplace

Latest news

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Latest news *

Do you have something to share with the AYCO/ACE community? Creative program management, new education, health and/or safety insights?? We want to hear from you!

Held monthly, ACE Discussions are engaging, collaborative calls designed to bring together community members to discuss topics that matter most to the circus arts education community. Each discussion focuses on essential areas like, integrating safety practices, building community and partnerships, program development, insurance and understanding how to gather and use data to improve programs and demonstrate impact.

Held quarterly, Directors Roundtables are conversation for program directors. We spotlight timely, actionable topics to help you soar through the business seasons. From taming the January influx of new members, to preparing for summer camps, balancing the tightrope of budgets, and dazzling audiences with seasonal marketing initiatives, the Director’s Roundtable will equip you with the tools and strategies to keep your circus thriving year-round.

Call for ACE Discussion & Directors Roundtable Speakers

Join the AYCO/ACE Board of Directors and help guild the future of youth circus and education!

We are a 501 (c) 3 non-profit with a volunteer board of directors.

Whether you are interested in coordinating EdCon and AYCOfest, developing the Health & Wellness, Insurance or Safety resources or have grant writing skills, we need your energy and love of the art form.

call for AYCO/ACE Board OF DIRECTORS Members

become a member of the ayco/ace circus community